Marine fisheries are a globally significant source of economic and food security, however high bycatch rates can threaten marine biodiversity putting both ecosystems and fisheries at risk for degradation. Although bycatch reduction technologies exist that can reduce the uptake of bycatch without significantly impacting target catch, bycatch rates remain high. To understand the factors that affect fishers’ change readiness we reviewed 15 interview-based studies assessing fishers perspectives on bycatch and bycatch reduction strategies. In sum, the perspectives of 1,991 fishers were assessed in these studies across 10 different countries from 2006-2023. One key finding that arose was the potential importance of agency. This factor closely relates to change readiness and was identified as an essential component for effective bycatch reduction. Additionally, it was discovered that the kind of proposed strategy is important. Bycatch reduction methods that are equally effective in capturing target catch while reducing non-target catch and are accessible are more likely to have favorable responses from fishers. Agency and change readiness are interconnected and may be influenced by a variety of factors such as income, education, experience, and beliefs/values. Incentives and education/engagement programs may be useful in fostering fishers’ willingness for change and improving the efficacy of bycatch reduction strategies.

Dr. Jesse Senko has what he describes as the “secret sauce” with his FIS 494 Sea Turtles, Sharks, & Fisheries of Baja California study abroad class. Students meet with him and assistant instructor Ph.D. candidate Cindy Vargas weekly to learn more about the marine megafauna and the fisheries that impact La Paz, Baja California, Mexico. Then, during spring break, the students travel to La Paz to explore the world they have been studying. After the week-long trip, students resume class and reflect on their experiences. By the time students arrive in La Paz during their spring break, they possess a vast knowledge of the topics they have learned in class and have built a sense of community among their classmates and teachers. While in La Paz, students get once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to swim with sea lions, safely capture and monitor sea turtles, and visit the Isla El Pardito to speak with local fishermen. Dr. Senko is bringing his students to a real-world research opportunity only accessible through this trip, and for a lot of students, their first time abroad. This experience has proven to be life-changing for many students, including myself. Students leave with not only a greater knowledge of La Paz but also genuine fieldwork experience with experts in their field. FIS 494 Sea Turtles, Sharks, & Fisheries of Baja California is the only class of its kind here at Arizona State University.